Intermittent Fasting for Lyme

The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting for Healing Lyme

Intermittent fasting is a natural detoxification and ancient healing practice that has yielded results for Chronic Lyme patients. When you are looking to heal from Lyme, what you eat is critical but so is when you eat it! When the body goes through a fasting period (minimum of 12 hours), it enters into a state of improved cognition, digestion, and energy use. Your body has burnt through the glycogen stores and is now using fatty acids to create energy.

Why is intermittent fasting so beneficial to Lyme warriors?

Research has shown that when the body goes into a fasting period, it activates a process called autophagy. Autophagy is your body clearing out old, damaged components leading to improved cellular function and, specifically, a decrease in Borrelia-burgdorferi induced inflammation (study from The Journal of Leukocyte Biology).

Adding intermittent fasting to your daily routine will be challenging; there’s no way around it, mainly if you are used to the typical eating style of the morning through the night, but the challenge is worth the improvement. 

The Different Types of Intermittent Fasting

• 12 Hour Fast

The shortest style of fasting requires you to stop eating between dinner and breakfast. An example would be from 8 pm to 8 am

• 16/8 Fast

The most practiced style of fasting has you eat in an eight-hour window and fast for the rest of the day// an example would be from 8 am to 4 pm

• 24 Hour Fast

This is an advanced fasting style and definitely not recommended for beginners since a full day of not eating can be challenging and result in lightheadedness and fatigue. However, for those ready, this could be a great boost to your system.

5 WAYS INTERMITTENT FASTING CAN HELP CHRONIC LYME WARRIORS

• Improves Blood Sugar levels by focusing on fat as an energy source that stabilizes the up and down rollercoaster poor blood sugar management can put you through. 
• Reduced Brain Inflammation by producing more ketones are key players in promoting new brain nerve cell growth.
• Supports gut health by strengthening the gut barrier function, which is crucial for optimal immune function
• Deeper and higher quality sleep
• Improved energy and cognitive function

Things to do BEFORE and AFTER Fasting

• Stay Hydrated! 
• Drink coffee, but it has to be black otherwise, it breaks the fast
• Get plenty of sleep
• Try exercises but take it easy – walks and yoga are great!

SOURCE: https://www.ascent2health.com/blog/intermittent-fasting-for-lyme-disease-recovery

For more information on intermittent fasting and how diet can help you heal, TUNE IN to these Heal Podcast Episodes:

Whole Body Nutrition with Georgia Grey

Food as Medicine with Amanda Tiberi

Nutrition with Erika Schlick 

And read these blog posts:

The Autoimmune Batlle with Dr. Gundry

Healing Your Gut 

Cooking for Lyme